There is irrefutable evidence that Gordon Strachan is a film buff. There was little to suggest yesterday, however, that his emotional behaviour has been influenced by the portrayals of Spencer Tracy or Steve Martin in Father of the Bride.

There was a quietness, a dedicated focus as Strachan contemplated the big day on Tuesday. The caterers have been organised, the guests have been invited (no apologies sent), and the outlaws are heading over from Milan. Yet Strachan has still the tricky business of what could be a messy pre-nuptial to negotiate at Pittodrie today.

The Bank of Scotland Premierleague game has the capacity to turn into that awkward stag night where the main players, if not found chained to a lamppost in the buff, could pick up an injury that could prevent them turning out against AC Milan next week.

So is Strachan thinking of protecting certain players from the attentions of an Aberdeen side energised by the race for second place?

"I do think of that. But you've got to remember my priorities. Away back in Washington at the start of the pre-season tour I was asked my priority and said it was to win the league. That's not changed. No grey areas."

"I've got enough players to handle this. It's two different games on two different surfaces. The Aberdeen surface is not at its best at the moment. Ours is better, and you have to take that into consideration."

It is almost certain that Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley will play today as they are ineligible for Tuesday's game and Strachan has been pleased with their contributions. Gary Caldwell is still some way from being considered for first team selection but John Kennedy "is at that stage where you are starting to consider him. After three years out with injury, there is no need to push him, though."

It will be fascinating to discover, though, if Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink will be risked at Pittodrie when he represents Celtic's best chance of troubling Milan.

Strachan, though, has not discussed AC Milan with his squad. Asked about his preparations so far for the Champions League round of 16, he said: "Nothing with players. It's been all me, looking at videos at home, a couple of times with a group of coaches. But absolutely nothing with the players."

He reiterated his priority was to win the league and that he would not "confuse" the players ahead of the Aberdeen game. The work, however, for Milan will start immediately after today's match. "The first time they get information will be back on the bus. Their homework will start then."

Strachan has no illusions about the size of the task in Europe. He dismissed Milan's position in Serie A, adding: "They are a good team. They are strong, they know the game well. They have great experience. If they all bring their winners' medals along here they are going to need another plane to carry them. I'd love to see how many Champions League games that lot have played."

Strachan praised AC Milan's defensive record. The Rossoneri have lost only 18 goals in the league, just one more than runaway leaders Inter. But the Celtic manager was more interested in one of his defenders, Lee Naylor, who has gilded a wonderful season in the SPL with fine displays in Europe. "I am delighted with him," said Strachan, who would not be drawn on whether Naylor deserved a call-up for England. He did reveal that he had been keeping an eye on the player since he first saw him at 16 on a schools football pitch in Coventry.

If this was an indication of how Strachan immerses himself in football, more was to follow when he said of Naylor: "Champions League has not been a problem to him. He's done well. But there's a lot more to be done. I've brought him in to watch videos."

He said the Englishman, and about eight others, had been brought back on Thursday afternoon to scrutinise aspects of their game.

As part of his downbeat approach, Strachan was also relaxed on his midfield formation for both games, insisting he was happy with the contribution of Thomas Gravesen, who has been underwhelming since his arrival from Real Madrid.

Strachan pointed out that Gravesen had contributed with vital goals in two Old Firm games and scored a hat trick that secured the points at Love Street. He added: "I've got good players in the middle of the park and it's great I have a choice."

There was time to dwell on domestic matters. On reported comments by Vladimir Romanov, the Hearts owner, criticising referees, Strachan said: "The group I really do feel sorry for is the referees. The integrity of the referees has never been questioned by me or any of the managers.

"I would feel bad if I was a referee at the moment. That must be the worst thing in the world, to get your integrity questioned."

Some questions facing Strachan will be answered soon. A victory at Aberdeen in what will be "a tremendously hard match" will bring the title within touching distance.

Tuesday night is another matter. Strachan is in no doubt about how important that match is. The impressive financial figures, including an operating profit of £18m in six months, released this week emphasised the importance of the Champions League to the club's financial welfare.

Strachan can expect funds the summer to invest in players. Victory over Milan would enhance the amount he could spend and the the quality he could attract. However, he said he was "not fussed" about such matters at the moment. The events of the next few days in Aberdeen and Glasgow are a different matter.